The Mariana Trench or Marianas Trench is the deepest known part of the world's oceans. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, to the east of the Mariana Islands. The trench is about 2,550 kilometres (1,580 mi) long but has an average width of only 69 kilometres (43 mi). It reaches a maximum-known depth of 10,994 m (± 40 m) or 6.831 mi (36,070 ± 131 ft) at the Challenger Deep, a small slot-shaped valley in its floor, at its southern end,although some unrepeated measurements place the deepest portion at 11.03 kilometres (6.85 mi).
We can see the great difference between the Mariana Trench holes and the well-known russian Kola Superdeep Borehole
The Kola Superdeep Borehole (Russian: Кольская сверхглубокая скважина, Kolskaya sverkhglubokaya skvazhina) is the result of a scientific drilling project of the Soviet Union in the Pechengsky District, on the Kola Peninsula. The project attempted to drill as deep as possible into the Earth's crust. Drilling began on 24 May 1970 using the Uralmash-4E, and later the Uralmash-15000 series drilling rig. A number of boreholes were drilled by branching from a central hole. The deepest, SG-3, reached 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) in 1989 and still is the deepest artificial point on Earth.
Adam's Bridge also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu ( Irāmar pālam, rāmasetu), is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
Adam's Bridge starts as a chain of shoals from the Dhanushkodi tip of India's Pamban Island and ends at Sri Lanka's Mannar Island. Pamban Island is semi-connected to the Indian mainland by 2 km long Pamban Bridge. Mannar Island is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by a causeway. The border between India and Sri Lanka is said to pass across one of the shoals constituting one of the shortest land borders in the world. Adam's bridge and neighbouring areas like Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, Devipattinam and Thirupullani are mentioned in the context of various legends in Ramayana
Adam's Bridge also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu ( Irāmar pālam, rāmasetu), is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term most commonly refers to a large, crewed, autonomous vessel. It is also sometimes used historically or colloquially to refer to remotely operated vehicles and robots, as well as medium-sized or smaller vessels, such as the midget submarine and the wet sub. Used as an adjective in phrases such as submarine cable, submarine means "under the sea". The noun submarine evolved as a shortened form of submarine boat (and is often further shortened to sub). For reasons of naval tradition, submarines are usually referred to as "boats" rather than as "ships", regardless of their size.
Although experimental submarines had been built before, submarine design took off during the 19th century, and they were adopted by several navies. Submarines were first widely used during World War I (1914–1918), and now figure in many navies large and small. Military usage includes attacking enemy surface ships (merchant and military), submarines, aircraft carrier protection, blockade running, ballistic missile submarines as part of a nuclear strike force, reconnaissance, conventional land attack (for example using a cruise missile), and covert insertion of special forces. Civilian uses for submarines include marine science, salvage, exploration and facility inspection and maintenance. Submarines can also be modified to perform more specialized functions such as search-and-rescue missions or undersea cable repair. Submarines are also used in tourism, and for undersea archaeology.
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" (typically diesel-electric) submarines are considerable. Nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines. The large amount of power generated by a nuclear reactor allows nuclear submarines to operate at high speed for long periods of time; and the long interval between refuelings grants a range limited only by consumables such as food.
Megastructures is a documentary television series appearing on the National Geographic Channel in the United States and the United Kingdom, Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, France 5 in France, and 7mate in Australia.
Each episode is an educational look of varying depth into the construction, operation, and staffing of various structures or construction projects, but not ordinary construction products.
Generally containing interviews with designers and project managers, it presents the problems of construction and the methodology or techniques used to overcome obstacles. In some cases (such as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Petronas Towers) this involved the development of new materials or products that are now in general use within the construction industry.
Megastructures focuses on constructions that are extreme; in the sense that they are the biggest, tallest, longest, or deepest in the world. Alternatively, a project may appear if it had an element of novelty or are a world first (such as Dubai's Palm Islands). This type of project is known as a Megaproject.
A battle for control of a shanty town in Rio de Janeiro has intensified between security forces and drug gangs.
Brazilian police are on the streets of the City of God favela after a helicopter crashed there on Saturday, killing four officers.
"Removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks," UBS analyst Jonathan Mott said in a note to clients on Monday. Benefits would include reduced crime and welfare fraud, increased tax revenue and a "spike" in bank deposits, he said.
India last week banned 500-rupee and 1,000-rupee notes as part of a crackdown on tax evasion and the black economy.
While Australia's cash economy isn't as large as India's, the estimated 300 million A$100 ($76) notes in circulation are rarely seen by the general public, Mott said.
If all those notes were deposited with banks, household deposits would rise by about 4 percent, Mott estimated. That would likely be enough to fill the big banks' regulatory-mandated net stable funding ratio and reduce reliance on offshore funding, he said.
Central banks and governments around the world are looking at withdrawing high denomination bank notes as the increasing penetration of electronic payment methods mean there are alternative methods for large purchases. Since 2009, ATM transactions in Australia have fallen 3.4 percent a year, while credit card transactions have increased 7.3 percent a year, UBS said.
The European Central Bank in February said it was considering withdrawing 500-euro notes because of an "increased conviction in world public opinion" such high-value notes are used for criminal purposes. IS IT time to get rid of the $100 note?
Investment bank UBS thinks so. With India this week moving to demonetise its two highest denomination bank notes, UBS says Australia should follow the lead.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said the decision was aimed at curbing the use of fake money and corruption. While no longer legal tender, people can still deposit the Rs1000 and Rs500 notes into bank accounts until December 30.
India plans to release new Rs500 and Rs2000 notes, but no date has been set.
In a research note on Monday, UBS said it would be a positive for the banks due to the rapid growth in deposits, the boost to digital and cashless payments, and the reduced reliance on branch networks over time.
And in a country where only 1 per cent of people pay tax, the move in India is expected to “lead to lower interest rates and could uncover large amounts of taxable income currently hidden in the cash economy”, UBS analysts said.
While concerns with the cash economy in Australia may not be as significant as in India, UBS makes the following points. Firstly, there are 300 million $100 notes in circulation, although they are “rarely seen”. Second, there are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes by number in circulation. And thirdly, 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” UBS said.
“RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall. Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per annum driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.
“We believe removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks.”
According to UBS, benefits may include “reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash)”.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.” 1. There are 300 million $100 notes in circulation in Australia, although they are rarely seen.
2. There are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes (by number) in circulation.
3. 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” Mr Mott said, adding that RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall.
“Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per year driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.”
Removing big bills from the economy would also be a thorn in the side of criminals, who tend to go to great lengths to avoid a paper trail, according to the analysts, and banks would like the possibility of more transaction fees.
“Benefits may include reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash),” Mr Mott said.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $A100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ net stable funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.”
So, the big question is: Would you miss $100 notes if they were cut from Australian circulation? And would you even realise they’d gone?
Sadhguru discusses the measures against black money recently taken in India through demonetization of large-denomination currency. Though these unprecedented steps may cause temporary difficulty to some, he explains, this strategically-planned surgery is necessary to set the nation on stable footing for the future.
The Narendra Modi government has made its big move against black money.
By making the present Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes illegal from Nov. 09 onwards, the government has effectively forced the entire country to go to the banks (or post offices) and have their cash (in those denominations) added to their accounts.
It’s still too early to gauge how well the entire replacement mechanism will work, despite the 50-day window the government has announced. But this much is clear: The move will have a massive impact on the black money and counterfeiting ecosystem.
With these notes now going out of circulation overnight, the government has created a solid opportunity to clean up the system. Those hoarding cash at home—which in all likelihood will involve Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes—will have to put the money into the formal system. And terrorist organisations, which according to the government have made repeated use of fake currency, will suddenly find their cash piles containing these notes worth nothing.
India has decided to end the use of Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes from Nov. 09.
During a televised address late today (Nov. 08), prime minister Narendra Modi said that the drastic measure was taken to curb the flow of black money and prevent the counterfeiting of notes in Asia’s third-largest economy.
The government will issue new Rs500 and Rs2,000 denomination notes.
Account holders can deposit Rs500 and Rs1000 notes in banks and post offices over the next 50 days with proof of identification such as a PAN card or an Aadhaar card. ATMs in India won’t operate on Nov. 09 and Nov. 10 to facilitate the replacement process. Banks will also remain closed to the public on Nov. 09.
This is, so far, the biggest move made by the Modi government to stop the circulation of illegal currency in the country, which was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s poll manifesto in 2014. Earlier in his term, Modi had opened up an amnesty scheme, allowing people to declare their illegal wealth by Sept. 30 2016, in order to avoid legal action. By Oct. 01, only some Rs65,250 crore worth of black money was declared under this scheme.
The prime minister also emphasised on Nov. 08 that the sudden move will impact the financing of terrorist activities in India, which often uses counterfeit notes and black money channels.
“The Rs500 and Rs1000 notes hoarded by anti-national, antisocial elements will become worthless piece of paper,” Modi said. He added, for the benefit of the public, “There is no need for panic. Your money will remain yours.”
Currently India’s black money economy is about 20% of its GDP, according to estimates from Ambit Research. Apart from cash, Indians also hoard wealth worth over billions of dollars in the form of gold.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an emergency address speech, where he revealed to the country that 500 and 1000 rupee notes are to be discontinued from midnight today. I know how defective decision it is but it is true and will be staunch decision of striking off usage of 1000 and 500 Rupee notes currency in India. This decision has been made by the present government under the PM who says, IMF and World Bank states India is an economic star now.
Every citizen will be allowed to withdraw 10,000 Rupees from Bank or ATM per day and 30,000 per week which seems to be less. This ban on notes can be major stroke on Indian economy but we will, have to wait and watch how it turns out to be.
Why India Banned 500 and 1000 Rupee Notes
"The History of Hindu India" (Part One) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the early history of India and Hinduism for use in American 6th grade social study classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
This documentary is based on the first chapter of the textbook, The History of Hindu India, published in 2011. It covers Indian history from the Indus-Saraswati Civilization up to the Gupta period (to 300 ce). The Hindu concept of God is explained, along with the key concepts of karma, dharma, ahimsa and reincarnation, the practice of temple worship, major saints and the main Hindu scriptures.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
Part Two: 300-1000 ce
"The History of Hindu India" (Part Two) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the history of India and Hinduism for use in American middle and high school classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
Covering Indian history from 300 to 1100 ce, this documentary is based on the second chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It opens with magnificent footage of the famed Kailasanatha Temple in Maharashtra, then presents the political history of India at a time when a third of the world's population lived there. It explores the Gupta Empire, the Huna invasions, the visits of Buddhist monks Faxian and Xuanzang, the initial incursions of Arab Muslim armies in the 8th century, and the rise of the great Chola kingdom of South India. City and village life is described, along with marriage arranging and jati, the joint family structure. This period also witnessed the beginning of the Bhakti Movement and the construction of thousands of famous and still active Hindu temples.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
Part Three: 1000-1850 ce
The History of Hindu India (Part Three) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the history of India and Hinduism for use in American middle and high school classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
This documentary is based on the third chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It covers Indian history from 1100 to 1850 ce, from the Arab Muslim invasions to British rule, a time of great difficulty for the Indian people. These extensive foreign invasions are recounted, including the plunder of the great Siva temple at Somnath, and the establishment of the Mughal Empire by the 16th century in most of India, its subsequent decline by the mid-18th century and the gradual control of India by the British. The documentary provides an account of the saints of the powerful Bhakti Movement, including Ramananda and Kabir. One section is devoted to an overview of the Sikh religion, from its founding in the 16th century by Guru Nanak to formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in the 18th century. This is followed by a brief introduction to Indian music and its basic concepts of tala (rhythm), raga (scale) and improvisation.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
India, the country of ancient science has created history by reaching Mars in its only and very first attempt. Further, India's mission to Mars has been the cheapest of its kind which makes this achievement even more interesting. Indians who traveled through out the space in the ancient times and the country where the enlightened yogis do so even today has shown to the world that India, if it wishes can do the same in the modern way as well. Karolina Goswami for India in details covers the whole story in her very unique and trademark style.
The ISRO successfully sent the Mangalyaan probe to Mars on the first time of trying, but what has it done and seen since its been there?
